Mkpoikana Udoma
port Harcourt — As part of its initiative to provide alternative livelihoods to hydrocarbon-impacted communities in Ogoniland, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has launched a three-day workshop on business proposal development for Ogoni youths.
The 3-day workshop is aimed at empowering Ogoni youths to develop business proposal writing skills, secure funding, and access scholarships, in order contribute to the region’s development, promoting peace, education, and environmental stewardship in Ogoniland.
Declaring open the workshop, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, emphasized the importance of acquiring these skills to unlock opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Zabbey reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the youth of Ogoniland in achieving their aspirations and contributing to the region’s development, noting that the workshop will cover key areas, including grant writing techniques, sourcing funds, and strategies for scholarship applications.
He said the workshop was part of HYPREP’s initiative to provide alternative livelihoods to hydrocarbon-impacted communities in Ogoniland, following the success of the career enhancement and employability workshop held in April 2024.
The HYPREP boss tasked participants are encouraged to become ambassadors for the Ogoni cleanup, promoting peace, civic education, and environmental stewardship.
He said: “We at HYPREP believe in the immense potential of the Ogoni youth. Our vision is to provide you with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills to turn that potential into real opportunities for your advancement. Today’s workshop is designed to do just that by equipping you with practical knowledge on writing various proposals, sourcing funds, and obtaining scholarships for further studies and investments.
“Moreover, in today’s competitive world, the ability to write a compelling proposal can open many doors. It is important to note that whether you are seeking to fund a startup, a community project, or your education, the power of a well-crafted proposal cannot be overstated; a good proposal is a bridge between your innovative ideas and the resources needed to bring them to life.
“This workshop will cover several key areas and unveil improved strategies for your application including, understanding the essentials of business proposals, grant writing techniques, sourcing funds, effective strategies for scholarship applications and also practical sessions for you to apply what you have learnt in real time.”
The HYPREP boss further stated that facilitators of the workshop were experts with extensive experience in local and international contexts, while urging the Ogoni youths to take advantage of every opportunity to learn, ask questions, practice, network, and also be positive in their pursuit of personal goals
“HYPREP will continue to support you, to answer your questions, and to provide the guidance you need. Remember, the skills you acquire today will not only help you in your aspiration and professional endeavours but will also contribute to the broader development of Ogoniland and the nation. We believe that your success leads to the overall success of HYPREP.
“May I also call on you to be worthy ambassadors of the Ogoni cleanup. Stand up against vandalism and theft of HYPREP facilities in Ogoniland. Preach the message of peace and embrace civic education and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Speaking to newsmen, the facilitator and trainer, Mr Delasi Amablé, assured that after the training participants would be able to develop winnable proposals for scholarships and grants, especially since there were a lot of business opportunities in hydrocarbon pollution.
A beneficiary and participant, Miss Barisuka Jennifer Clement, who is a fresh graduate of plant science and biotechnology from the Rivers State University, said the first day of the workshop has taught her how to identify a problem and how to solve it.
“I am particular about bio-remediation. The information here is valuable to me, it will help identify a problem and how to solve it. I’ll be looking out for a problem to solve.
“I wish I had attended this kind of training during my undergraduate, it would have really helped me in my project but it’s still beneficial to me since I’ll be going for my masters degree,” Miss Clement stated.
